[TR] Mt Thielsen - West Ridge 4/18/2015

[nutsandbolts]

Trip: Mt Thielsen - West Ridge

 

Date: 4/18/2015

 

Trip Report:

We drove to the trail head on Friday night after work and pitched our tent next to the car in the parking lot. We took advantage of the short approach and slept in until 5:30, heading up the trail at 6:00.

 

 

The approach was relatively easy with little to no snow until about 2 miles in. From there it came in patches and was consistent after crossing the PCT around 4 miles in.

 

 

 

The upper spire was generally free of snow with only a few patches and a little ice. The summit was a tad windy but otherwise perfect. Just too much damn fun...

 

 

With above freezing temps at night and lots of roller balls down low we weren't too surprised to see that a slab had cut loose from the upper west face. Looking down on this avalanche from the summit was a cool perspective.

 

More words and pictures here: http://mountainrefugees.tumblr.com/post/116835736708/mountain-9-mt-thielsen

 

 

Gear Notes:

60m rope, 0.5, 0.75, 1 camalots, a few slings and cord.

 

Approach Notes:

From the Mt Thielsen TH, ~4 miles to a junction with the PCT, then another mile to the summit. Patchy snow starting around 6500' and continuous from 7000'.